2019 NFL mock draft 6.0
Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray throws a pass during the second half of the Orange Bowl against Alabama on Dec. 29, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
The 2019 NFL Draft will be held from Thursday to Saturday in Nashville. With less than a day left, here’s our final mock draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Could this still be a smokescreen this close to the draft? Possibly. However, the Cardinals certainly have done their homework on Kyler Murray, and they haven’t exactly done much to quash rumors about Josh Rosen’s future with the team. Murray's size (5-10 1/4, 207 pounds) may pose an issue in the NFL, though teams may be more apt to take a smaller passer in light of the success of Baker Mayfield, last year's No. 1 overall pick. Murray is an electric athlete with incredible speed and a great arm. Previous picks: Nick Bosa, Edge rusher, Ohio State (1.0); Murray (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
2. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, Edge rusher, Ohio State
The best player in this year’s class falls to San Francisco. Nick Bosa’s combination of speed and strength is reminiscent of his brother, Chargers Pro Bowler Joey Bosa, and he'd make a potent 1-2 pass-rush punch opposite newcomer Dee Ford. Previous picks: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama (1.0); Bosa (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
3. Jets: Josh Allen, Edge rusher, Kentucky
Mike Maccagnan checked off a good portion of his shopping list early in free agency, but he still needs a bona-fide pass-rusher, especially after Anthony Barr backed out of his agreement to sign with the Jets. Josh Allen is a 3-4 linebacker who has great speed around the edge but still is developing his pass-rush moves. Previous pick: Allen (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
4. Oakland Raiders: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
The Raiders made a flurry of moves in free agency, but they still have yet to address a pass-rush that recorded just 13 sacks last season. Quinnen Williams dominated against top offensive linemen and has the power and instincts to impact both the run and pass. Previous picks: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston (1.0, 2.0); Q. Williams (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
5. Tampa Bay Bucs: Devin White, LB, LSU
Kwon Alexander signed with San Francisco, and newcomer Deone Bucannon is more of a "moneybacker" (a safety/linebacker hybrid) than a pure inside linebacker, so the Bucs could use someone opposite Lavonte David for their new 3-4 scheme. Devin White is versatile enough to play any linebacker spot. He has the range to make plays in the passing game and can get downhill quickly to stop the run. Previous picks: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU (1.0); Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama (2.0); Montez Sweat, Edge rusher, Mississippi State (3.0); White (4.0, 5.0)
6. Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
The Giants' rebuild seemingly hit fast-forward when they traded Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland, They have several other pressing needs, with right tackle and pass-rusher the most glaring, but it’s time for the Giants to finally find Eli Manning’s successor. Dwayne Haskins impressed in his one season as the Buckeyes’ starter with a good arm and touch on his throws. With Manning presumably back for one more season, there's no need to rush Haskins into action. Previous picks: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama (1.0); Haskins (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
The Jaguars have their quarterback now in Nick Foles, but they still need to get him some protection, even after signing Bengals cast-off Cedric Ogbuehi. Jawaan Taylor worked his way into the first-round conversation after showing improvement as a junior. He has good size at 6-5, 312 pounds, is quick enough to handle speed rushers and powerful enough to pancake defenders. Previous picks: Dwayne Haskins (1.0); D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss (2.0); J. Taylor (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
8. Detroit Lions: Montez Sweat, Edge rusher, Mississippi State
Matt Patricia poached one of his former Patriots in Trey Flowers, but they still could use more pass-rushers. Montez Sweat set a modern-day Combine record for defensive linemen by running a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, and that speed shows up on tape along with his agility, explosiveness and length. Previous picks: Clelin Ferrell, Edge rusher, Clemson (1.0); Sweat (2.0, 4.0, 5.0); Rashan Gary, Edge rusher, Michigan (3.0)
9. Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
GM Brandon Beane addressed the offense in free agency by signing three receivers and six offensive linemen. Now he can fix a defense that ranked seventh-worst in sacks (36). Ed Oliver is a quick, disruptive interior lineman who projects best as a pass-rushing three-technique, similar to Aaron Donald or Geno Atkins. Previous picks: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State (1.0); T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa (2.0); D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss (3.0); Oliver (4.0, 5.0)
10. Denver Broncos: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
The Broncos traded for 34-year-old Joe Flacco, but that may not change GM John Elway’s desire to find his quarterback of the future. Denver has done its due diligence on all of the top quarterbacks in this class, but Elway reportedly has paid extra attention to Drew Lock. The Missouri product neatly fits the mold of past Elway-drafted quarterbacks: great size and athleticism, strong arm, inconsistent. Previous picks: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (1.0); Jawaan Taylor (2.0); Devin White (3.0); Devin Bush, LB, Michigan (4.0, 5.0)
11. Cincinnati Bengals: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
The Bengals have some talent along the defensive line and in the secondary, but their linebacking corps needs a major overhaul. Devin Bush — the son of the former Falcons first-rounder of the same name — is only 5-11, but he’s a tough linebacker with great speed and instincts. Previous picks: Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama (1.0); Devin White (2.0); Bush (3.0); Drew Lock (4.0, 5.0)
12. Green Bay Packers: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
The Packers addressed their pass-rush in a big way by signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. That frees them up to give Aaron Rodgers more help — particularly at tight end, where Jimmy Graham struggled last season. T.J. Hockenson is a very well-rounded tight end who can run, catch and block. Previous picks: Jachai Polite, Edge rusher, Florida (1.0); Rashan Gary (2.0); T.J. Hockenson (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
13. Miami Dolphins: Rashan Gary, Edge rusher, Michigan
After trading Ryan Tannehill to Tennessee, the first reaction is to give Miami a quarterback. But the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick to a two-year deal means they may decide to sit out of this year’s rookie QB sweepstakes and turn their eyes to a potentially deeper 2020 class. Meanwhile, the defense ranked second-to-last in rush yards allowed per game (145.3) and fourth-to-last in sacks (31) — and that was before Cameron Wake left for Tennessee. Rashan Gary has excellent size and speed and can line up anywhere on the defensive line. Previous picks: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri (1.0, 1.1, 2.0); Kyler Murray (1.2, 1.3, 1.4); Ed Oliver (3.0); Gary (4.0, 5.0)
14. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
There's not much else behind defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Christian Wilkins has the size and athleticism to be an excellent upfield-attacking lineman in any front. Previous picks: Rashan Gary (1.0); Ed Oliver (2.0); Wilkins (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
15. Washington Redskins: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Washington traded for Case Keenum as a replacement for the injured Alex Smith, so like Miami, they may decide to wait a year to find their future potential franchise quarterback. In that case, look for them to bolster an underperforming pass-catching corps weakened by the departure of slot receiver Jamison Crowder. D.K. Metcalf blew up the Combine with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, 40 1/2-inch vertical, 11-2 broad jump and 27 reps on the bench press — all at 6-3 3/8, 228 pounds. His agility tests weren't as good, but his size, speed and explosiveness could make him a good deep threat. Previous picks: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia (1.0, 1.1); Drew Lock (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.0); N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State (2.0); Metcalf (4.0, 5.0)
16. Carolina Panthers: Clelin Ferrell, Edge rusher, Clemson
Julius Peppers retired, leaving newly signed Bruce Irvin as the team’s only established pass-rusher. Clelin Ferrell was a top prospect last year before returning to school. He has great size, length and athleticism. Previous picks: Montez Sweat (1.0); Noah Fant, TE, Iowa (2.0); Ferrell (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
17. Giants (via Cleveland): Brian Burns, Edge rusher, Florida State
After addressing their future at quarterback with the No. 6 pick, the Giants turn to their most immediate pressing need: pass-rusher. Brian Burns is lighter than your typical edge player, but he makes up for it with a 6-6 3/4 frame, excellent speed (4.55 in the 40) and bend. Previous pick: Burns (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
18. Minnesota Vikings: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
The Vikings’ offensive line took a step back last season after being one of the team’s strengths in 2017. Jonah Williams is 6-4 1/2, 302 pounds, has good athleticism and can play on either side or inside at guard. Previous picks: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3); Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma (1.4, 2.0); J. Williams (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
19. Tennessee Titans: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Delanie Walker will be 35 and is recovering from a broken foot. Jonnu Smith showed some flashes as a rookie, but it doesn’t hurt to add another receiving option for Marcus Mariota. Noah Fant is a prototypical tight end for today’s NFL with the size, speed and hands to create mismatches, especially down the seam. Previous picks: Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State (1.0); Clelin Ferrell (2.0); Fant (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
JuJu Smith-Schuster becomes the No. 1 receiver in Pittsburgh after the Antonio Brown trade, but the newly signed Donte Moncrief isn’t much of an upgrade as the second receiver. Who better to replace Brown than his own cousin? “Hollywood” Brown is an explosive, speedy receiver who is a threat to take any touch to the house. Previous picks: Devin White (1.0); Greedy Williams, CB, LSU (2.0); Marquise Brown (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
21. Seattle Seahawks: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
The Seahawks need players who can rush the passer, especially after sending Frank Clark to Kansas City. In this scenario, they get a disruptive defensive tackle to pair with run-stuffer Jarran Reed. Jerry Tillery is a powerful, bull-rushing three-technique who had seven sacks in 2018, including four against Stanford. Previous picks: Brian Burns (1.1, 2.0); Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware (3.0); Tillery (4.0, 5.0)
22. Baltimore Ravens: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Yes, wide receiver isn’t as much of a priority in the Ravens’ old-school, run-first offense, but only two of the five wide receivers on their roster saw action last year (Willie Snead and Chris Moore), and they combined for 847 yards and two touchdowns. A.J. Brown is a big receiver with good size (6-0 1/2, 226 pounds) and the ability to make defenders miss. Previous picks: A.J. Brown (1.1); Devin Bush (2.0); A.J. Brown (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
23. Houston Texans: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Deshaun Watson was sacked an NFL-high 62 times in 2018. Andre Dillard is a prototypical left tackle at 6-5, 315 pounds. He is very athletic and moves well in pass protection but could improve in the run game. Previous picks: Jawaan Taylor (1.1); Dillard (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
24. Raiders (via Chicago): Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Time to find another starting cornerback opposite Gareon Conley. Greedy Williams has excellent ball skills and technique in both man and zone defense, and could become a No. 1 cornerback in short order. Previous picks: Marquise Brown (1.1, 2.0); Greedy Williams (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
The Eagles plugged their last major hole when they traded for Bears running back Jordan Howard, leaving them in a true “best player available” situation come April. In this scenario, they add some depth along the offensive line — insurance in the event Brandon Brooks isn’t the same after Achilles surgery, or a long-term replacement for Jason Peters (if Jordan Mailata doesn’t pan out as the Eagles hope). Cody Ford is a tough mauler who fits well at tackle or inside at guard. Previous picks: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia (1.2); Byron Murphy, CB, Washington (2.0); Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama (3.0); Ford (4.0, 5.0)
26. Indianapolis Colts: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
After building outward from the offensive line last year, GM Chris Ballard could follow the same approach on defense and bring in a stalwart defensive tackle. Dexter Lawrence is a space-eater at 6-4 1/2, 342 pounds, making him an ideal run-stuffer in the heart of any defense. Previous pick: Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State (1.2); Christian Wilkins (2.0); Jerry Tillery (3.0); Lawrence (4.0)
27. Raiders (via Cowboys): Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
The Raiders signed Jets castoff Isaiah Crowell in free agency, but that may not stop them from adding another runner into a backfield that also includes Jalen Richard. Josh Jacobs is a tough do-it-all back who can take the ball between the tackles, catch passes and even block. Previous picks: Bush (1.2); Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama (2.0, 3.0); Jacobs (4.0, 5.0)
28. Los Angeles Chargers: Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
The Chargers hit a home run last year when Derwin James fell to them. Now it’s time to find his running mate at free safety. Nasir Adderley is a ball-hawk who can slide right into the Chargers’ defensive backfield. Previous picks: Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State (1.2); Dexter Lawrence (2.0); Cody Ford (3.0); Adderley (4.0, 5.0)
29. Seahawks (via Kansas City Chiefs): Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
The Seahawks bolstered their pass-rush eight picks ago, so now they can look for a slot cornerback to replace Justin Coleman, who left for Detroit in free agency. At 5-11, 182 pounds, Byron Murphy doesn’t have the typical length that Seattle looks for in its cornerbacks, but he makes up for it with excellent technique, instincts and ball skills.
30. Packers (via New Orleans): Dalton Risner, OT/OG, Kansas State
After giving Aaron Rodgers another target with their early first-rounder, the Packers should try to protect their star QB, particularly along the interior. Dalton Risner, according to Pro Football Focus, allowed just 27 pressures in four seasons as a starter. He can play tackle or guard at the next level. Previous picks: Noah Fant (1.3, 1.4); Risner (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
31. Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Bradbury, OG/C, North Carolina State
The Rams lost Rodger Saffold in free agency, and John Sullivan remains unsigned, leaving the NFC champions with holes at left guard and center. Garrett Bradbury is solid in both pass protection and as a run-blocker, and can slot in right away at either position. Previous pick: Zach Allen, Edge rusher, Boston College (1.4, 2.0); Bradbury (3.0, 4.0, 5.0)
32. New England Patriots: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Does New England actually make the pick here? The team picking last in the first round has traded out of the slot pick in four of the last five years, including each of the last three. Add in the fact that first-round picks get a fifth-year team option, and it’s an enticing spot for a quarterback-needy team to (a) jump ahead of any second-round teams that also need a QB, and (b) get that extra year to groom their new franchise passer. We can’t predict trades in this mock, but we can use the idea of the fifth-year option to give the Patriots their eventual replacement for Tom Brady. Daniel Jones doesn’t have great arm strength and may not have as high of a ceiling as the other top quarterbacks in this class, but he’s a smart passer with experience in a pro-style offense under Manning family mentor David Cutcliffe. Previous pick: T.J. Hockenson (1.4); Jerry Tillery (2.0); Dexter Lawrence (3.0); Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama (4.0); Jones (5.0)
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.
